A former international student at Lehigh University is facing severe consequences after pleading guilty to forgery related to his college application. The student, Ariane Anan, fabricated his background to secure a full academic scholarship worth more than $80,000. This deception was uncovered after Anan anonymously posted on Reddit, admitting to building his life and career on lies.
Investigation Triggered by Reddit Moderator
The unraveling of Anan’s deceit began when a Reddit moderator flagged his anonymous confession and notified Lehigh University. The moderator’s attention was drawn to Anan due to his affiliation with only one university on Reddit, which was Lehigh.
Local investigators then discovered that Anan had falsified nearly all his application documents, including high school transcripts and his family history. He even provided a fake death certificate for his father, who is still alive in India.
University and Legal Response
Lehigh University’s police conducted a thorough investigation, revealing the extent of Anan’s fabrications. As a result, the 19-year-old was arrested two months ago and charged with multiple counts, including felony forgery and theft of services. Despite facing the possibility of 10 to 20 years in prison, Anan’s punishment, influenced by university officials, includes expulsion and deportation back to India.
Student Reactions and Conclusion
Most Lehigh students agree that the punishment fits the crime, acknowledging that the scholarship could have been awarded to a more deserving candidate. The university has decided not to require Anan to repay the $85,000 scholarship. Anan is currently in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is expected to be deported within the next two months.
